How many visitors does Mount Vesuvius get per year?
Mount Vesuvius attracts around 1 million visitors every year.
Mount Vesuvius Entry Tickets
From Pompeii: Mount Vesuvius Entry Tickets with Round-Trip Transfers
From Naples: Mount Vesuvius Entry Tickets with Round-Trip Transfers
From Naples: Mount Vesuvius & Herculaneum or Pompeii Day Trip
Closed on: January 1st, May 1st, and December 25th
High season Vs low season: The peak season for visiting Mount Vesuvius is typically between June and August. During this time, the weather is warm and sunny, making it a popular time for tourists to visit the volcano. However, this also means that the site is likely to be more crowded, and you may experience longer wait times and higher prices.
Weekday vs weekend: Visiting on a weekday is generally recommended as it tends to be less crowded than on weekends. If you do visit on a weekend, aim to go early in the morning to avoid the crowds that tend to arrive in the afternoon.
Mount Vesuvius is located in the Campania region of southern Italy, near the city of Naples.
Closest Landmarks
By bus: From Naples, you can take the EAV bus from the Naples Central Station, which will take you directly to the entrance of Mount Vesuvius. The journey takes approximately 1 hour. Alternatively, you can also take the EAV bus from the Circumvesuviana Station in Naples, which will take you to the same destination.
By train: From Naples, you can take the Circumvesuviana train from the Naples Central Station to the Ercolano Scavi Station, which is the closest station to Mount Vesuvius. From there, you can take a bus or a taxi to reach the entrance of Mount Vesuvius.
If you prefer to drive, you can rent a car in Naples or other nearby cities and follow the signs to Mount Vesuvius. Please note that there is a parking fee at the entrance of Mount Vesuvius.
The upper parking area fills up fast — it holds only around 40 cars. Arrive after 10:30am, and you’ll likely be parking down the road (1–1.5 km away), adding an uphill walk before you even start the actual trail.
You can’t buy entry tickets at the crater — you need to book online in advance or buy them at official ticket points before entering the park area. Many assume they can just show up and pay at the gate, and end up turned away.
Private vehicles must stop around 800m elevation, near the Y-shaped intersection (Strada per Belvedere Vesuvio). From there, it’s either a 1.5 km uphill walk or a €2 return shuttle to the ticket office at 1000m.
The trail to the crater is a mix of steep tarmac and loose gravel — not flip-flop friendly. You’ll want proper sneakers or walking shoes with grip to avoid slipping, especially on the way down.
Ideal for those short on time or pairing Vesuvius with a relaxed schedule.
Option A: Morning visit from Naples or Ercolano
Option B: Direct visit from Sorrento
Perfect for combining Vesuvius with Pompeii, Herculaneum, or a vineyard visit.
Option A: Pompeii + Vesuvius
Option B: Vesuvius + Wine Tasting
Access to the crater is exclusively available through two designated gates: the automated gate located at Quota 1000 Square in Ercolano, and the gate at Quota 1,050 Square in Ottaviano.
To ensure the safety of visitors, there are several rules and regulations that must be followed when visiting Mount Vesuvius, including:
The gift shop at Mount Vesuvius offers a variety of souvenirs and gifts, including books, postcards, and volcanic rocks.
Exploring Mount Vesuvius offers a variety of trails tailored to different interests and abilities. Visitors can choose from six circular nature trails (numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 8), an educational trail (number 9), a panoramic path (number 6), and an agricultural path (number 7), all leading to the crater. Highlights include the dramatic Valley of Hell, the scenic Mt. Somma, the impressive River of Lava, and the historic Matrone Road. The hike is generally rated as easy to moderate, thanks to its steep but manageable terrain. While most people in good physical condition, including children and older adults, will find it accessible, those unfamiliar with hiking or physical exertion might find it more challenging.
Plan to spend about 2 to 3 hours exploring Mount Vesuvius. This includes time for hiking to the crater, enjoying the views, and taking photos. If you want to spend more time in the area or explore nearby attractions, you might want to allocate additional time.
The best time to visit Mount Vesuvius is during the spring or fall when the weather is mild and crowds are smaller.
While Mount Vesuvius is an active volcano, it is closely monitored by authorities and is considered safe for visitors. However, it is important to follow all safety guidelines and stay on the designated trail.
Yes, you can climb Mount Vesuvius. There is a trail that leads up to the crater, which is open to visitors.
The climb up Mount Vesuvius is not too difficult, but it can be steep in some places. The trail is well-maintained and marked, and there are rest areas along the way.
It takes around 30-40 minutes to climb Mount Vesuvius, depending on your fitness level and the weather conditions.
It is recommended to wear comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots, as well as light layers of clothing as it can get windy at the summit. You may also want to bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water.
Besides Mount Vesuvius itself, you can visit the ancient ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum, which were buried by the eruption of 79 AD. The nearby city of Naples also offers rich cultural experiences, including museums, historic sites, and vibrant markets.
